Luna Apollaro Success Story

Luna Apollaro a Jiu-Jitsu athlete.

A short introduction to yourself?
I’m Luna Apollaro, I’m 23 years old and I’m in love with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu! I live in Belém do Pará-Brazil and am a blue belt at the 99 jiu jitsu academy Belém.

How did you develop your fondness for your sport and at what age did you start learning karate?
My history with jiu-jitsu started in 2017, when walking around the gym I saw some people training. I remember being amazed! It was like a ballet, smooth but at the same time, it was rough: the smooth art of breaking bones. I also remember borrowing a kimono with a friend and I haven’t stopped training since that day.

Do you have a favorite Sensei?
Every day I get inspired by Kyra Gracie! Because in addition to her jiu-jitsu being very good, she had the determination to enter a sport that was predominantly male and opened up the world of BJJ for women, inspiring other girls to learn!

How did you get into this position and how did your journey in this sport go?
I have 4 years of jiu-jitsu and during them, I had many difficult moments. There were times when I felt my jiu-jitsu stagnant, I felt that I was not evolving, I believe that all jiu-jitsu athletes go through moments like this. But I was trying hard not to give up. Just being on the mat paying attention you are evolving. Do not give up!

Do you take sports as a profession or is it just a hobby?
Today I consider the sport as a hobby, but in the future, I am sure that I can consider it as a profession.

What challenges have you faced in getting to where you are now? You can also share any injury story.

Every day is a challenge, not every day we are doing well. So it’s hard to get on the mat and try to be “ok”. But even when I feel that way I remember that I am not thereby chance. And I always come out much better than before.

 What motivates you most about your profession as an athlete?

What motivates me the most in jiu-jitsu is knowledge. Sometimes I joke that I am like a sponge, I want to absorb all the knowledge and be able to pass it on to other people.

Tags: